Spitfire 1500 compression test

[Esor]

I've just tested my 1979 Spitfire 1500 mileage 53000 . Engine hot with all plugs out, got reedings of 200psi on all cyclinders  Repeated with wet test (4 squats from my oil an). Readings increased to 235psi.
Engine pulls well up 1/7 hill in 4th gear.
Should I be worried about rings?.

[Andy Flexney]

only if you are getting engaged!!

if those readings are true you don't need to worry about the rings but you might want to be concerned about you big ends

AndyF

[Esor]

Just read the compression tester instruction. I think I overdid the oil the first time around.
Re did the wet test following the instructions. Got wet reading of about 210.
The tester is one I got in America .  Think my problems lay with the inlet manifold/  SU carburators,  Tuning. I have an air balance kit which has worked well in the past.  But getting then to be consistent appears to be the issue. So I may take them down to SU in Salisbury and get the refurbed.

[system6]

What are you worried about?....not sure what the psi should be in a spit but 200psi sounds good to me
      S

[JohnD]

"200psi" means nothing.
Compression guards are not precision, calibrated instruments.   The best you can get from them is equal  pressures across the block, which you have.
"Wet" testing is diagnostic, IF you have a low pressure bore, to tell if it is due to rings or valves leaking.  Not necessary if you have equal pressures.

Of course, you can compare before and after any mods you do.

John